Bulawayo Chiefs’ winless run reaches 7 games after TelOne stalemate

Bulawayo Chiefs have gone seven matches without a win, and yesterday they had to come from behind to salvage a point against a rejuvenated Telone.

Chiefs’ last victory was on the 2nd of May, when they impressively defeated a high-riding Caps United 1–0 in their own backyard. Caps United were leading the Premiership at that time.

However, things suddenly took a downward spiral for Chiefs, as they now sit in 12th position with 17 points from 17 matches — the midway point of the league. They are five points above the relegation zone.

Yesterday, it was Brian Muza who rescued a point after a defensive mix-up between Cris Mverachena and a defender culminated in the forward bundling the ball home in a match that finishesd 1-1.

Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino was frustrated after his charges struggled in front of goal.

“It’s very much frustrating. In every game we are creating chances. If our players can be composed, we can get the goals.

“The good thing is that players are getting into those positions. What’s needed is to work on the technique and composure to utilise the chances. That’s a positive,” said Nyikadzino.

The former Triangle man boasts one of the league’s quickest forward lines in Muza, Jimmy Gwara (who has scored four goals), the exciting Anesu Saiti, Farawu Matera, and greenhorn Alfred Mathonsi.

Chiefs take on Highlanders on Sunday as they seek to register their first win since May.

Meanwhile, Telone continued their revival by bagging a point on the road to climb to 15th position with 12 points from 17 matches. Saul Chaminuka masterminded the club’s first victory of the season at Ascot Stadium on Sunday, with pressure mounting on the gaffer.

With four points from two matches, Telone will be seeking the continuation of their revival in the second half of the season, as they almost stole maximum points in Bulawayo yesterday.

Innocent Muchaneka thrust them in front against Chiefs eight minutes into the second half, only for Muza to cancel out that strike four minutes later.

Telone will be on the road this weekend as they face Dynamos in Harare.